“Ask Dr. HKSH” - Know More About Kidney Disease

Dr. LAI Kar Neng

Specialist in Nephrology

Q1. Does having bubbles in urine indicate kidney disease?

Many people may notice bubbles in their urine in the morning. However, if the bubbles cover the surface of the toilet bowl and persist for more than a minute each time you urinate, it could be a significant and serious symptom of kidney disease. This occurs because protein alters the urine surface tension, leading to bubbly urine. You should be cautious if you experience this condition.

Q2. I have frequent urination and lower back pain. Does this mean my kidneys are unhealthy?

For men, frequent urination can be caused by an enlarged prostate, diabetes mellitus or kidney issues, while for women, it could be related to kidney disease or diabetes. Lower back pain, on the other hand, can result from muscle or spinal problems and is not necessarily linked to kidney disease. However, kidney stones can cause back pain, and in cases of glomerulonephritis, especially IgA nephropathy, back pain can be a primary symptom. That said, not all kidney diseases lead to back pain.

Q3. If I feel fine, does that mean I don’t have kidney disease?

No! Many early-stage kidney diseases have no noticeable symptoms, and a significant number of patients only discover they have kidney failure when it reaches an advanced stage. Since chronic kidney disease progresses slowly, patients may remain asymptomatic for years. Physical check-ups are essential for detecting kidney disease in its early stages before symptoms appear.

Q4. What are the causes of chronic kidney failure?

Chronic kidney failure has many causes, with common ones including hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, kidney stones, or a history of kidney removal surgery leading to kidney shrinkage. Another significant cause is glomerulonephritis, which can lead to a decline in kidney function. Understanding the causes is crucial because identifying them allows for better management of the condition and can slow the progression of kidney function decline.

Q5. Can kidney disease be reversed?

No! The function of organs in the human body cannot be reversed, except for the liver. Therefore, once kidney function declines, full recovery is impossible. Protecting existing kidney function to prevent further deterioration is a key treatment approach to avoid kidney failure.

Q6. How to avoid "kidney damage" in daily life?

It is essential to maintain adequate hydration because insufficient water intake can hinder the body's ability to excrete waste. Additionally, excessive sweet consumption can affect blood sugar levels, while too much salt can lead to high blood pressure; hence, one should avoid overly sweet or salty diets. If suffer from kidney disease, it is crucial to prevent further deterioration of kidney function. For example, when taking traditional Chinese medicine, becoming dehydrated, or undergoing procedures like colonoscopy or gastroscopy, special attention should be paid to hydration. it may be necessary to be admitted to the hospital earlier to prepare and ensure adequate hydration to prevent kidney failure.